CROMWELL ARGUS REPORT OF THE BANNOCK BURN CONCERT.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1063, 8 September 1882, Page 3

CROMWELL ARGUS REPORT OF THE BANNOCK BURN CONCERT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—You would oblige me by allowing space in your paper for a few remarks on the report of tbe late JBannockburn concert, which appeared in the last issue of the Cromwell Argus. 1 admit that the report is truthful, with one exception, viz.“ The audience generously overlooked a number of disagieeable features in the programme.” Now I'deny that there was a disagreeable feature in the programme ; and desire to show a -very great inconsistency, which is strictly adhered to in the reports given of soo al gatherings in the Cromwell paper. That org 'U devotes a whole column of lavish flattery, extolling the rendition of each and all of the parts sustained by the performers at the ■Cromwell Musical Union Concerts. H iply the Cromwell amateurs have a more perfect knowledge of music than the gene rality of those at the Bannockburn. Be it u iderstood, however, that the maj *rity of peop e go to such entertainments with the aulable purpose of enjoying them elves, and to hear somethmg.pleasing and diverting It will be admitted, I think, that a knowledge of music is not in itse’f sufficient to charm and captivate an audience. Unless the performer has a sweet and engaging vice, training is almost useless.; it may improve, but it will never make any one excellent who has not a natural gift for music and a winning voice. A novice will often beat an expert in spite of bis c«refnl trait ing.and constant practice, and beat him too without an effort. 1 venture to say that at least ten of tbe Musical Union performers, who took part in their last concert, cann it sing so pleasingly and well as the pooiest performer that kindly volunteered to give his services at the Bannockburn. There are many incapable perfoimers who sing at the Union concerts, but they are ever referred to in terms of fulsome adulation. Why not report tru'fully in all cases? Cromwell can justly boast of a few really good amateur vocalists and musicians ; and ■Cromwell talent was we’l represented at tbe Bannockburn concert. In fact all the performers were above mediocrity. I again ask why such extremes in reporting : the one portaayed in a most extravagant and unscuipuhmsly flattering manner; the other painted in colours of the darkest hue. Is it because the paper has pickings from the one in the shape of lengthy programmes, and tickets : whilst from the other nothing blit a few paltry shillings for notifying the public th it a concert will lake place on a certain dale. Partiality is inexcusable in these matters, and can only be looked upon as the outcome of bad taste and little sense. Unlike our Cromwell friends, we on the Bannockburn do not attempt a display of music that would tax the skill of the most accomplished professionals. There is a dissimilarity also in the fact that anything we attempt to do is done fairly well. Never upon any occasion have we deserved to be called mere burlesquers. In again referring to what i 'have denominated pickings, I beg to observe that I have reason to believe that our friend of the Cromwell Argus poke in a way th t bore considerable significance in regard of the emoluments derivable from the publication, of like gatherings. This was on the night of the concert. Fortunately, we on the Bannockburn are not piepared to give tip on purpose to gain the approval of the Cromwell Argus. Hoping that our friend of the Cromwell Argus will, in future, report all such meetin . s farily and impart ally, and not, as in the past endeavour to change the aspect of things, and thus mislead the public.—l am. &c., A Bannockscrnixe. Bannockburn, 2nd. September, US2.